Sometimes, just sometimes I think about going out without my camera. I mean on the little walks we take and our usual “quickie” up Moncreiffe Hill. There is always the risk that I might see something amazing and not be able to capture it on camera but sometimes that is the risk I am willing to take occasionally.

This post will contain only a header image, taken on our last walk to the view point on top of the hill.

Today was one of the days I decided to go camera free. The Dude asked me once, twice, maybe three times “sure you’re not taking your camera out?” I stuck to my guns and left it behind.

Our walk today started with blue sky and sunshine and the temperature was 1.5 degrees. Views over the city of Perth and along the river Tay were clear and the birds were singing. There were still patches of frost where the sun hasn’t touched  (and probably won’t for a while because it is still too low) and frozen puddles and mud with dog paw prints in them. These things make me smile.

Why do they make me smile? Because I can imagine how much fun the dog would have been having running around in the mud and how the owner will probably have been used to this but still rolling their eyes and asking “did you REALLY have to go through there?”

Anyway back to our walk.

Ever the observant photographer I watch the little birds going about their daily business and wonder what they think of all the devastation following the recent storms. Some of these fallen trees must have been homes to these little creatures? In some places it looks apocalyptic – trees, branches, roots, everywhere. Huge areas of it.

Before this cold snap there was the rain (I’m sure you remember?) and the routes which all the water chose to take down the hillside are visible. In fact, in places, there are still, now frozen, pools of water. We had a lot of rain!

Each time we walk up to the view point, as we get to the pines I always look out for red squirrels. I am not even sure if there are any here, but you never know!

By now I am getting warmer, my cheeks have a glow about them and although I can’t see it I can feel it! As I realise this it begins to snow! Just gently, like in the romantic films.

We make it to the top and see people out walking their dogs, exchanging greetings and commenting on the good weather. The Dude and I watch over our new home and I remind him “we live here now.” Something that we say to one another when we see something beautiful or we realise how lucky we are. Everything we ever want right here – each other. Alright, okay maybe we are missing a few things, like a canoe and some bikes but you get the picture. We do know how lucky we are.

The snow is getting heavier and we make our way back down to the car. The car park is now empty but white with snow.

Would that moment have happened if I hadn’t decided that going out without my camera is sometimes necessary? Possibly not. Sometimes it’s good just to be present in the there and then and not behind the camera.